In our commitment to help people feel better® for more than 30 years, Human Touch® is a proud supporter of National Breast Cancer Awareness Month in October. For the millions of women, and their loved ones, affected by breast cancer, this week’s blog post from our esteemed Wellness Council member Mindy Green is for you. Try to relax and take care of yourself. It’s vital to your physical and emotional wellness.

Breast Health and Essential Oilsby Mindy Green

Breast cancer … It is rare to find someone whose life has not been touched by this epidemic. During this month of awareness the most important preventive measure one can take for this or any other health disorder is reducing stress. When one is facing or wanting to prevent this particular health challenge the usual and important suggestions of regular exercise, a plant based diet, essential fatty acids, positive thoughts and extra vitamin D are important. In addition, the pleasant aromas of nature can help restore balance in our lives. In fact, research on essential oils show that they may even help mitigate the side effects of conventional treatment, such as radiation burns and nausea. Historic and empirical data suggests that many scents can also address and mitigate emotions that may accompany health challenges such as depression, fear, anxiety and more.

There is a surprising number of research papers dedicated to investigating monoterpene compounds in plants (volatile essential oils) and cancer (check PubMed to learn more). But you needn’t be a research scientist nor understand medical jargon to employ essential oils as soothing agents before, during or after treatment. Whether you are interested in maintaining breast health or reducing the worry that may accompany treatment, there are helpful measures that can be done at home for little expense. Breast massage with essential oils and active carrier oil delivers pleasant and relaxing aromas, and the complex and active chemistry of essential oils provides slip and glide for a self exam and lymphatic drainage of the area.

These essential oils are among those that have been studied for their therapeutic activity:

Combine in any combination using 10 drops of essential oil – single oil or blended mixture – with one ounce of carrier oil, which can be used as spot treatments over affected area, in the bath, after bath treatment or a full body massage.

Choose a carrier oil with additional therapeutic activity such as cold pressed pomegranate, sea buckthorn or raspberry seed oils, or an herbal infused oil such as calendula for its many remedial benefits.